tvgms-version-4

TVGMS OPEN HOUSE WRAP-UP

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:46:59 GMT

By Deb Burken and Jim Tobin

TVGMS hosted a fun-filled, entertaining, educational, first annual Open House on April 11th! The day was filled with things to see and do for all ages.

The Open House was an opportunity to introduce the community to our club and the things we do. We are celebrating our 40th year and are proud of our contributions to the Tehachapi community. Each year we give several scholarships to high school students and provide educational resources to area schools as well as send out knowledgeable members to give presentations to schoolchildren on geology and Earth Science. As a group we are interested in rocks and minerals and go on a wide variety of rockhounding field trips and museum trips. Our monthly meetings often feature speakers on topics dealing with Earth Science. We also have a workshop of lapidary equipment for members to learn to cut and polish rocks, and classes to learn various jewelry techniques. All field trips and classes are free to members making it the best deal in town! The Open House was a collection of visual and hands-on displays to introduce the community to TVGMS.

The Open House gave us our first opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for our Annual TVGMS Raffle. This year the prizes are a gorgeous, deep-purple amethyst heart, a huge onyx bowl, and a mounted smoky quartz crystal.

Member Bob Papac is always a great source of knowledge as well as a source for interesting polished stones, fossils, and minerals.

As usual, the always popular Spin Wheel was spinning – for $1 or $5 you can spin the wheel to win some very interesting rock and mineral specimens. Some of the rocks are found on field trips in our local area and others are crystal and mineral specimens from around the world.

Tehachapi is fortunate to be the home of one of the foremost meteorite experts in the world and TVGMS is lucky to have Jim Tobin in our membership. He compiled a large, comprehensive meteorite display for the Open House and more importantly, was present to talk with visitors and answer questions.

Many businesses in our town generously gave to support our raffle and we’d like to thank them. Tehachapi Arts Center, Gallery 'N' Gifts, Canine Creek, Kohnen’s Bakery, Red House BBQ, House of Wax, Albertson’s, Traveling Teacher Tutoring Co., Hemme Hay & Feed, Stephen Lee Photography. Many individuals also donated items: Michael Coghlin, Peggy and Mike Finley, Jennifer Robins, Nancy Waldron, Chris and Christine Payne, Carmen Irving, Jim Tobin, Deb Burken, Diane Farnsworth, Randi Elmore, Rick and Becky Eckel, and all the members who donated their time to make this event come together.

Another exciting display was our fossil section – John Bell and Ron Myrick brought in their personal fossil collections for display. The full fossil skeleton of a Psittacosaurus (parrot lizard) was a big hit with both kids and adults. Other fossils on display included a large ammonite and a fossilized nest of Hadrosaurus dinosaur eggs.

While most of the Open House was inside the Senior Center, the back porch was where the geodes were being cut open. Guests were invited to pick a geode and watch it be cut. It’s a magical moment to open a 350-million-year-old geode.

Our twice monthly classes create an abundance of jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other art pieces) which were available for sale by those who wished to donate their pieces.

Free craft activities were offered that were enjoyed by both children and adults. Pet rock painting was a popular activity and the art that was made was astonishingly beautiful. Several children did all the crafts and were at the open house for the entire day having fun with the parents. Other crafts that were available to try were bracelet making, wire wrapping, resin pebble bowls, and resin stain glass pendants.

Pet Rock Painting

Bracelet Making and Wire Wrapping.

Resin Pebble Bowls and Resin Stain Glass Pendants.

The wonderful abundance of donated raffle prizes made for very active ticket sales. The drawings were held often during the day accompanied with laughter and applause for the winners.

The TVGMS conducts field trips regularly approximately once or twice a month. A display of photos from some past trips was on one of the tables which were arranged in a circle around the main room of the Senior Center. Visitors travelled from display to display in a delightful parade all day long engaging with the club members who were there to answer questions and offer information. Membership is necessary for some of the activities such as the field trips and the club workshop. A group of new members were added during the day. We know they will enjoy the many activities the TVGMS has to offer during the year.

Rocks, like books, should not be judged by their cover.

Below is "Before & After" slider showing some of our found rocks that are truly amazing when cut and polished.

A display table was dedicated to finding potential sponsorships in our ongoing search for a larger facility to house our lapidary and jewelry workshop. We have been running out of space for a while but there is still opportunity for more members to use the equipment. Members interested in cutting rocks and creating gemstones such as cabochons or making projects such as polished slabs or almost anything made of rock gather on Mondays from 10-12 and on Thursdays from 12-2 pm. There are members who are happy to offer any assistance needed for those who are just learning to work with rocks and minerals. Instruction in finished jewelry techniques such as silversmithing and wire wrapping is also available. Attendance at the workshop does require membership in the TVGMS. Samples of the type of work done at the workshop was on display around the Open House.

What a fun and exciting day the Open House of the TVGMS was for all who attended. The members who helped had as much fun as the visitors who came. One thing that all rockhounds seem to have in common is the desire to share the joy and wonder that these natural treasures offer. That thrill for sharing about rocks was certainly in the air at the Open House. Keep an eye open for notices about town and in the newspaper or here on the website about other upcoming events of the TVGMS. There are always fun and educational activities taking place.

February Meeting Presentation: Meteorites by Jim Tobin

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:55:10 GMT

Our February guest speaker was our very own Jim Tobin who gave another wonderful presentation on meteorites. Jim's presentation was on the history of meteorites, types of meteorites, and their importance to science. It was a very informative PowerPoint presentation. Jim also brought a display case full of various types of meteorites, an electronic microscope to view the Widmanstätten pattern on a slice of etched iron meteorite, and a thin section viewer to display a very colorful thin section of a meteorite. Jim also brought samples of various meteorites which he passed around during his talk.

After Jim's presentation he answered all questions and then invited everyone up to where his display case, electronic microscope, and thin section viewer were set up. Jim then continued his fascinating explanations of everything meteorites.

We'd like to thank Jim very much for his third presentation to the club. Jim had previously given a talk on meteorites, and another talk on Meteor Crater to TVGMS.

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December Sweet Treat Meeting

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:31:07 GMT

Traditionally the December meeting of the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society is the Sweet Treat Meeting.

After the short business portion of the night we lined up to indulge in the desserts spread across tables spanning the width of the room. It was a sight to behold. Desserts, a few sandwiches, and casseroles offered selections to please the sweet tooth of all in attendance.

Ron purchased DIY snow globes this year which was a hit with both the adults and children. Some snow globe objects were provided including Santas, little red truck figurines as well as the snow particles. Members were encouraged to add their own treasures to the snow globes.

Put this on you calendar and wait with all the rest of us till next year to enjoy this tradition again.

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Apple Festival 2025

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:39:09 GMT

October 11, 2025 was the annual Apple Festival in Tehachapi. Begun in 1998, it has become a tradition that draws visitors from far and wide to enjoy a day dedicated to all things apple.

The Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society had our traditional booth in the Festival. The Spin Wheel had very nice offerings for the children and adults. All who wanted to try their luck at winning a nice natural treasure. There was a good crowd of visitors all seeming to enjoy the great atmosphere of the Festival, even though the weather was a bit chilly.

Remember to put the Tehachapi Apple Festival on your calendar for next year. And a rock, mineral, or crystal treasure will be waiting at the Spin Wheel for you.

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Desert Safety by Rick Homan

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 18:54:10 GMT

On Saturday September 13 about a dozen members and guests of the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society gathered at the Senior Center for a presentation by Rick Homan on desert safety. The very informative talk covered every area from planning a trip to what to take. And how to stay safe while offroading in the desert and mountain areas we often take field trips into.

Rick has vast experience with safety and rescue as a professional in the field. All the attendees of his talk learned much new knowledge which will be of practical value for the rest of their lives.

After the instruction class many of the group drove out to Clay Mine Road and into the desert for some 4 wheel driving. It was just a bit more challenging than we usually do with the club. But the view from the top of the hill was fantastic.

Rock hounding was done at three sites along the way. More buckets of rocks were taken home by all. A great day of learning and exploring. Thank you Rick for sharing your years of experience and knowledge with us.

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Tehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral Society's 18th Annual Gem & Mineral Show

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:36:05 GMT

At this year's Mountain Festival the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society hosted its yearly Gem Show at the Senior Center. The parking area and inside of the building was filled with vendors selling all manner of wonderful items from rocks to jewelry with precious gemstones.

Our spinning wheel was enjoyed by young and old and raised money for the club. On the patio out back of the senior center there were hundreds of slabs of rocks cut by club members at our workshop which were for sale.

Display cases of fossils and meteorites along with a display case of the work done at our workshop, and another of the item from the Wednesday classes held at the Art Center were enjoyed by the visitors. Slabs and larger specimens of rocks were bought by many guests of the gem show, who took home wonderful items for their next project or for display. It was a great time of fun for all the members who participated also.

YouTube by Hunting with Rocks with David

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Castle Butte Field Trip

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:57:39 GMT

On Saturday July 23 the weather was unseasonably cool and offered an opportunity to have a field trip to Castle Butte one of our favorite local rock collection spots. A big turn out with perhaps 20 members in attendance. Ten vehicles formed the caravan to out beyond California City. Far more people attended than are in the picture. Buckets of agate, jasper, chalcedony were picked up. Even another piece of the rare ripple marked sandstone was found again by Ron Ray. It did get quite warm later in the day, but sneaking in a great field trip to the desert in July was an enjoyable time for everyone. Come and join us next time for some good rock collecting fun.

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2025 Tehachapi Senior Center Fundraiser

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:15:15 GMT

The Tehachapi Senior Center provides very needed services to the community. The center also provides space to other organizations and clubs in our town.

Every year the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society shows its appreciation to the Senior Center for the use of the facility for their monthly meetings and other activities by holding a Yard Sale in the front parking lot of the Senior Center.

All the proceeds from the Yard Sale go to support the fine work of the Senior Center. Consider making a donation of usable items next year. Look for flyers that will be posted around town early June with the details.

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2025 Annual TVGMS Potluck

Sun, 11 May 2025 18:02:38 GMT

The Tehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral Society annual potluck dinner was held Saturday, May 10th at the Tehachapi Senior Center. By a unanimous show of hands and voices in a previous meeting we were again treated to Ron's Famous Brisket.

We were all presented with a wonderful array of side dishes and desserts brought by fellow members, and we all brought our appetites.

There was also a carrot cake brought by someone, (name later if possible), as a thank you to all of our wonderful board members. The carrot cake was delicious and even had a rock border.

Everyone had a great time and no one went away hungry.

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Boron & Borax Mine Field Trip

Fri, 09 May 2025 22:58:56 GMT

By Jim Tobin

The Tehachapi Valley Gem & Mineral Society heads out to the world famous Borax mine about once a year and it is always a fun, informative and exciting trip. The mine that has been in operation for over 100 years is now enormous. The open pit mine is 1.74 miles wide, 1.99 miles long and 755 feet deep.
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Standing on the observation desk viewing the mine is breathtaking. After seeing the short film of the story of the mine and the operations on site to process the borax minerals we always take a few minutes to comb around the piles of the three main minerals generously provided to add to our mineral collections.

A short drive on these trips takes attendees to the City of Boron, with a stop at the rock shop, museums, and restaurants for those that want to add more adventure to the day.

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Pine Tree Canyon Field Trip

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:38:20 GMT

By Jim Tobin

On Saturday, February 8, there was a well attended field trip out to Pine Tree Canyon. There was some wonderful recoveries of many colors of jasper and agate. The collections were made both east and west of the huge pipeline which is part of the California Aqueduct System. I tumbled up a lot of the rocks.